» Introduction: The works of Masahiko Kuwahara reflect the oddities of the modern world that we occupy now. These are reflected in the strange creatures that inhabit stagnant urban ponds, the pig that finds it has been half-cured, and a multitude of beings that have never been seen before. Other examples include the nameless models, which grace advertisements in magazines and leaflets; this is a world where all images have been consumed and low-prices reign, where sacred beauty, wrapped in sorrow, remains hidden. The modern urban-dweller's sense of empty loneliness is depicted occasionally as humorous motifs in gentle colors, as if to offer some form of salvation.
» Concept: This exhibition introduces new paintings in 2008 to 2009 by the artist. The unknown model-like girls meet tiny animals in the interior, where they live together for your eyes only.
» Artist Biography: Masahiko Kuwahara was born in Tokyo in 1959. This exhibition marks his sixth at the Tomio Koyama Gallery (1999, 2001, 2005, 2007, 2008). Other major exhibitions have included "TOKYO POP" (Hiratsuka Museum of Art, Kanagawa, 1996), traveling exhibition "The Japanese Experience - Inevitable" (Ursula Blickle Stiftung, Kraichtai, Germany, 2002), "POPjack: Warhol to Murakami" (Denver Museum of Contemporary Art, Colorado, USA, 2002), "The Secret Forest of Princess Knight: Fantastic Landscapes from Japan" (Curated by Taro Chiezo, M.Y. Art Prospects, New York), and "Portrait Session" (Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art/Nadiff, Tokyo, 2007).
Contact information for press materials： [ Tomio Koyama Gallery ] Tomoko Omori TEL： +81-3-3642-4090
